Combined serving tray and reading rack



June 12, 1951 E, DUBACH COMBINED SERVING TRAY AND READING RACK 2 Shets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 22. 1947 m m m 0 m M w a m m m 17 m..... f m m m e m m June 12, 1951 L. E. DUBACH LCOMBINED SERVING TRAY AND READING RACK 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 22. 1947 30 26 Z7 Z? 4.) 23 g y 2.

Lena 507/770 flubach Wf m Gttomeg Patented June 12, 1951 assezs COMBINED sERynST G Tal AND READING BACK.

Lena Emma pubach, Kansas Mo. Application December 22, 1947, Serial N 793,151

This invention relates to a combined serving tray and reading rack for the use of persons in bed, particularly hospital patients, and has for its principal object to provide a device of this character that is of simple, light-weight construction and which is adapted for stable support directly'on the bed crosswise of the users body.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a combined tray and reading rack wherein the reading rack is adjustable at different inclinations to and from the patient; to provide a tablelike top having side and end rails to serve as atray or to support the usual tray on which food is served to a patient; to provide the tray-like top with legs having ample spread to assure stabilityand prevent tipping; to providefor folding the legs under the tray-like top; and to provide a simple and positive latch mechanism for retaining the legs in both extended and folded positions.

Other objects of the invention are to provide the tray-like top with means for storing the rack in an out-of-way position when the rack is not in use; to provide adjustable legs for supporting the tray-like top at desired elevation above the bed; to provide a structure that is readily formed of stainless material and which may be readily sterilized and kept in sanitary condition; and to provide a leg structure which is not apt to catch on the bed covers.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, I have provided improved structure, the preferred form of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig.- 1 is a perspective view of a combination tray and reading rack set up for use on a patients bed, the reading rack portion being shown in "positionfor supporting a book or other reading :matter.

Fig. 2' is a cross section showing the reading rack in its foremost position. ffFig. 3 is an underneath 'view of the device showing the legs folded under the tray-like top and the reading rack in stored position.

Fig. 4 is a section through a portion of one of the leg cross bars particularly illustrating the latch and latch plate which are used to latch the legs in their respective positions.

Fig. 5 is a transverse section through one end of the device showing the reading rack in position and the leg folded against/the underside of the tray-like top.

Fig; 6 is a detail section through one of the leg latches on the line 6-1-6 of. Fig. 4. ,g'ig'; '7 is an end elevational view partly in secion and showing the legs folded with the readrack in stored'position. Referring more in detail to the drawings;

I "designates a combined serving tray and reading rack constructedin accordance with thepres- 'entinvention and which includes"a table-"like ltray' top '2, supporting leg members 3 and '4 and a" reading rack 5.

The parts of the device are preferably formed of 'stainless material that may be readily kept 'in sanitary conditionsuch as a heat resistant plastic' orpreferably a stainless metal.

The table like' top 2 includes a substantially fiat'por'tion 6 having "upwardly flaringend'and side flanges l'8 and 91-10 that curve outwardly anddownwardlyas at II to provide front and ck rai j i nd' l3 a d en i s Me d 5 9 fsuitable depth" for enhancing ri idity of the top "E and to' housefth'e rackfi as later described. The 'lowerfledges of the end" T811514 and rl5turninw'a'rjdly under the top 6" to provide" ledge-alike supports 16' and I? which arespaced'belowjthe :ur d'erside'of the top 6" to form grooves I;8 and i9. The front rail is shapedso that the lower edge v2i) ofthe major length thereof terminates substantially in the'planeof the lowersurface of'the 'top'6 withthe ends terminating shortiof theends ['4 and i5 and above the-1edgesi'6f'and I"! tocooperate with the inturned ledges informing an entrance to the-grooves. .Mdurited on the'top E-in inwardly spaced relationwiththe ends-of the table like traysupport are rack supports-2| and 22' having-headsf 23 substantially "of cylindrical'cross' section carried on web portions 24- having downwardlyand outiwardly sloping sides to provide a relatively-wide base 25' seated on the top-'6 and suitably'jsecured thereto as by welding-or the'like'to form-a permanent-part of the top 6; The rails are [each provided with a 'series of transverse notchesfzfi 'having'substantia lly circular portions?! of larger "diameter than theentrance portions 23 to provide hooks 29 extending over cylindrical port-ions' -of the notches. The oppositeside -faces tn of the iiotches'inclirie rearwardly at different angles-to support "the rack 5 as later described." The leg members 3 and 4 are-preferably formed of tubular naterial of circular cross sectionandeahhas a h'orizontalportion 3i and diverginglegportions 32 and 33 joining therewithimroundingcurves and 35', the legportions --32 being of suitable length to carry the tray-like top over the b ody of" a patient -when the'legs are supportedf-o'n the belief the patient. *g "'f I "orderthat the'device is adaptable for large a; it

persons, the legs 32 and 33 are preferably provided with extensions 36 that slide within the tubular ends of the leg portions 32 and 33 and have collars 31 adapted to abut against the leg portions when the extensions are in retracted position. The extensions are preferably provided with rubber or like feet 38 which close the open end of the tubular extensions. To retain extensions in retracted and extended position, the leg portions 32 and 33 are provided with slots 39 having laterally directed ends 40 and 4| to reoeive pins 42 that project from the leg extensions. For example, when the pins are in the lateral slots 49, the extensions are retained in retracted position, but when the legs are turned to move the pins out of the lateral terminal 40 and downwardly within the slot portion 39, the pins may be moved into the portions 4| to retain the extensions in extended position. When the legs are retained in extended position the tray-like top is carried at a higher elevation and more space is provided between the bottom thereof and the bed. The horizontal portions 3| of the leg members are mounted to turn within bearings 42 and 43 having laterally extending flanges 44 which are secured to the underside of the inturned ledges l6 and H by fastening devices such as bolts 45.

In order to stiffen the mounting for the legs, one of the bolts for each bearing may be extended through spacing sleeves 45 and through registering openings in the top 5 and into threaded openings in the base portion of the rack supporting rails 2| and 22. The legs are retained from longitudinal movement in the bearings by collars 41 and 48 that are fixed thereon and engage the outer end faces of the bearings as best shown in Fig. 3. The collars 41 are preferably of larger diameter as indicated in Fig, 4 and have fiat sides 49 to permit turning of the legs in the bearings and which terminate at the ends in stop faces 59 and 5| to respectively engage the undersides of the ledge-like fianges when the legs are in extended or folded position as later described. The arcuate portion of the collars 41 are provided with notches 52 and the stop faces 5| are provided with similar notches 53 which are adapted to be engaged by plungers 54 that are slidable in extensions 55 of the bearings 42 under action of coil springs 56 (Fig. 6). The springs 56 are sleeved over the plungers and contained within the counterbores 51 of the bearing extensions, the springs being applied so that one end engages the bottom of the counterbores and the other collars 58 that are fixed to the plungers as shown in Fig. 6. The ends of the plungers that extend through the ends of the counterbores are provided with knobs 59 by which the plungers may be retracted against action of the springs so that the plungers will clear the notches and permit turning of the legs to and from their respective positions.

The ledge members i6 and I! may also support resilient pads 6| at the entrance ends of the grooves and rubber blocks 62 having slots 53 to receive the rack 5 when the side edges of the rack are inserted in the grooves and the rack is slid into the position shown in Fig. '7 The reading rack is formed of fiat sheet material to provide a back support 64 of slightly longer length than the spacing of the supporting rails 2| and 22 so that the ends thereof are adapted to engage within the notches 26 thereof as shown in Fig. 1. The upper edge of the back support may be suitably shaped as indicated at 65 to enhance the appearance 4 thereof and if desired the central portion thereof may be provided with a mirror surface 66.

Extending along the lower edge of the back support is a trough-like ledge 51 that curves downwardly and forwardly from the back rest of the rack and thence upwardly to provide an upstanding terminal edge 68 which is adapted to engage under the hook portions of the supporting rails as indicated in Fig. 2 to support the rack at an angle of inclination.

To facilitate removal and insertion of the reading rack in storage position, the back thereof may be provided with a cleat 59 that may be grasped by the fingers when withdrawing the rack.

When the device constructed as described is not in use, it may be collapsed to a substantially flat unit by grasping the knobs 59 of the plungers 54 and withdrawing the ends thereof out of the notches 52 whereupon the leg members 3 and 4 are free to turn inwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3 where they lie substantially parallel with the tray-like top 2. When the legs are in this position, the notches 53 register with the plungers and when released, the plungers engage in the notches 53 to retain the leg members in folded position. The reading rack 5 is stored as a part of the unit assembly by sliding the side edges thereof into the grooves l8 and 9 with the mirror side upwardly until the edge 55 thereof engages inthe slot 53. The trough-like ledge 51 thereof is then in position to close the cut-out portion in the front rail of the tray-like top as shown in Figs. 3 and '7. When the device is to be used as a tray in serving food to the patient, the reading rack may be left in stored position and the leg members 3 and moved to set up position by disengaging the latches and swinging the legs downwardly and outwardly to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. When the legs are in their outermost position the plungers 54 engage in the notches and retain the legs in splayed position to provide stable support. If desired the dishes in which the food is served may be placed directly on the top 6 or the ordinary serving tray carrying the dishes may be placed on the top 5 as there is ample space between the rails to receive the tray. It is obvious that the flange portions of the rails forming the side and ends of the top 5 prevent any spilled food from getting onto the bed or patient.

When the device is to be used for reading or the like, the rack 5 is readily withdrawn from stored position by engaging the fingers back: of the lug 59 and drawing the rack outwardly so that it clears the supports 16 and IT. The rack is then placed face downwardly over the supporting rails 2| and 22 so that the ledge Ej'l thereon engages within the desired notch 25. The rack is then swung backwardly so that it rests against the inclined face 39 of the notch and the upper edge 58 of the ledge 57 engages under the hook portion 29 as shown in Fig. 2. After use the rack is returned to its storage position and the leg members are folded inwardly and latched as shown in Fig. 3. The device may then be sterilized by placing the entire unit in a sterilizer. Thus, the device be kept in clean and sanitary condition.

If longer legs are required, the leg extensions 35 may be turned so as to carry the pins 42 out of the upper lateral terminals 40 of the slots 39 and the extensions pulled outwardly until the pins 42' engage the lower ends of the slots. The extensions are then turned to carry the pins 42 into engagement with the lower lateral portions 4| of the notches. When the leg extensions are not desired they may be operated in reverse and the pins thereon turned into the upper lateral portions of the notches.

From the foregoing it is obvious that I have provided a combined tray and reading rack that is of simple and compact construction that is well adapted to the use of the patient and when not in use may be conveniently stored. It is also obvious that the unit may be kept in clean condition and that when sterilization is required the entire unit when collapsed may be placed in the sterilizer. It is also obvious that the rack when in stored position is accessible to the patient and that the patient may adjust the rack on the rack supports without the help of a nurse.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a device of the character described a tray-like member having a substantially flat top portion provided with side and ends extending upwardly therefrom and having downwardly extending flanges projecting below said top portion with the flanges at said ends terminating in inwardly facing ledge portions spaced below the top portion and forming therewith facing grooves adapted for supporting a reading rack in storage under said top portion, one of said side flanges having an elongated transverse opening immediately below the top portion and having ends in registry with the grooves for insertion of said reading rack, leg brackets on the under sides of the ledge portions, legs pivotally supported by the brackets and adapted to be moved from a position supporting said tray member to a folded position under the top portion and below said reading rack storage space, means for connecting the ledge portions with the top portion at points spaced from said flanges for stiffening the ledge portions under thrusts of said legs, and fastening devices for attaching the leg brackets to the ledge portions.

2. In a device of the character described a traylike member having a substantially flat top portion provided with side and ends extending upwardly therefrom and having downwardly extending flanges projecting below said top portion with the flanges at said ends terminating in inwardly facing ledge portions spaced below the top portion and forming therewith facing grooves adapted for supporting a reading rack in storage under said top portion, one of said side flanges having an elongated transverse opening immediately below the top portion and having ends in registry with the grooves for insertion of said reading rack, leg brackets on the under sides of the ledge portions, legs pivotally supported by the brackets and adapted to be moved from a position supporting said tray member to a folded position under the top portion and below said reading rack storage space, spacing means between the ledge portions and the top portion, and fastening devices for attaching the leg brackets to the ledge portions, with selected fastening devices extending through to connect with the top portion for stiffening the ledge portions under thrusts of said legs.

3. In a device of the character described a traylike member having a substantially flat top portion provided with side and ends extending upwardly therefrom and having downwardly extending flanges projecting below said top portion with the flanges at said ends terminating in inwardly facing ledge portions spaced below the top portion and forming therewith facing grooves adapted for supporting a reading rack in storage under said top portion, one of said side flanges having an elongated transverse opening immediately below the top portion and having ends in registry with the grooves for insertion of said reading rack, reading rack supports fixed to the upper side of the top portion above said ledge portions, leg brackets on the under sides of the ledge portions, legs pivotally supported by the brackets and adapted to be moved from a position supporting said tray member to a folded position under the top portion and below said reading rack storage space, spacing means between the ledge portions and the top portion, and fastening devices for attaching the leg brackets to the ledge portions, with selected fastening devices extending through to connect with the reading rack supports on the upper side of the top portion for stiffening the ledge portions under thrusts of said legs.

LENA EMMA DUBACH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,138,156 Stroud May 4, 1915 1,520,589 Matkovic Dec. 23, 1924 1,624,945 Glover Apr. 19, 1927 1,709,928 Whitney Apr. 23, 1929 1,829,918 Andrews Nov. 3, 1931 1,839,291 Barbour Jan. 5, 1932 2,230,220 Cummins Feb. 4, 1941 2,325,324 Kent July 27, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 155,400 Switzerland Sept. 1, 1932 

